Dominiq Ponder family: Son of a former athlete; inside the beloved Colorado Buffaloes QB’s background

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Dominiq Ponder died this weekend at the age of 23, a loss confirmed by head coach Deion Sanders on Sunday, March 1. “God please comfort the Ponder family, friends and loved ones,” Sanders wrote on social media. “Dom was one of my favorites! He was loved, respected and a born leader. Let’s pray for all that knew him and had the opportunity to be in his presence.”

Ponder’s death was the result of a single-car accident, according to Scott Procter of DNVR Buffs. Details later shared by Colorado State Patrol with USA TODAY Sports stated that a 23-year-old male was driving a 2023 Tesla west on Baseline Road near Newland Court around 3 a.m. when he lost control of the vehicle. The car crossed the eastbound lanes, went through a guardrail, struck an electrical pole, and rolled at least once. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Also Read: Colorado QB Dominiq Ponder dies at 23: Cause of death and career highlights


Here is what is known about Dominiq Ponder’s family.

According to Bob Greenberg of Sports Radio 96.7 FM, Dominiq’s dad, Wendell Ponder, was a former standout athlete at Sharpsville.


This is supported by the obituary of Peggy “Tennie” Patterson-Ponder, which identifies Wendell L. Ponder II as Dominiq’s father.

As per that obituary, Dominiq was raised in a close-knit, multigenerational family led by his father, Wendell L. Ponder II, and mother, Catrina. The obituary states that Peggy is survived by “her son, Wendell L. Ponder II and his wife, Catrina; her grandson, Dominiq; and her granddaughter, Monroe.”

Family life, as described in the obituary, revolved around time spent together. Peggy was very closely bonded to her family who frequently traveled with her “son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren”. Peggy, who passed away in 2013, shared a particularly close relationship with Dominiq and took great pride in him.

The obituary notes that “her grandson, Dominiq, was one of her great loves,” and that she “enjoyed going to his football games to watch him score touchdowns for her.”